The Institute was as Kranjska Provincial Museum was established by a decision of the provincial Estates Kranjska of 15 October 1821, subject to confirmation of the then Government of 8 June 1826th

The founding collection of the first Slovenian museum are Zois mineral collection, and collection kohilij Count Franz Hohenwart. Kranjska Provincial Museum after the First World War was renamed the National Museum in Ljubljana, but this is by decree of the provincial government in Ljubljana no. 5370/1 dated 8 May 1944 split into two independent institution:

Cultural and Historical Museum in Ljubljana and Museum of Natural History in Ljubljana.

The Institute came into the administration of the National Government of Slovenia after the People's Republic of Slovenia and by law on museums (Official Journal of the LRS, no. 32/59) performed the function of the founder of the Executive Council of the People's Assembly of the People's Republic of Slovenia. The Law of representatives of social communities in the councils of some institutions in the field of culture, etc. (Official Gazette no. 42/66) it functions as a founder of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia through the Executive Council of the SRS. In 1963 (Official Gazette no. 33/63), the Museum of Natural History in Ljubljana as the central institution was renamed the National Museum of Natural History in Slovenia.

Since 1988 the museum is housed in the premises of the museum building at Prešernova 20th

The Decision establishing the public institution Museum of Natural History of Slovenia (Official Gazette of RS, no. 60/2003, Official Gazette of RS, no. 11/2009), the Republic of Slovenia align the operation of the public institute Slovenian Museum of Natural History with the provisions of the Law on the Implementation of Public interest in culture. The founding rights and obligations of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Government.

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF SLOVENIA

National Museum of Natural Sciences, scientific and educational content. The oldest cultural and scientific Slovenian institution stemming from the Regional Museum founded in 1821. The museum with national, European and world major study natural science collections, which are visible changes in biodiversity, development of natural mindset and techniques of gathering and processing of museum material. Research institution, which explores the natural and cultural heritage of natural origin.

The museum is distinguished by three scientific journals, namely Scopolia, entomologica Acta Slovenica and Illiesia (the latter originate in sozaložništvu).

Looking to the future

The museum building at Prešernova which are two national museums: the Museum of Natural History and National Museum of Slovenia Slovenia. New construction will solve the overcrowding of both the Natural History Museum of Slovenia will be in the new premises better carry out its mission.